Enhance Your Smile With Gum Contouring

The appearance of your gums plays a crucial role in your overall smile. If you have a "gummy" smile or excess gum tissue, it can make your teeth appear shorter than they are. Fortunately, gum contouring can help restore balance and enhance the proportion of your smile. This procedure, known as a gum lift or gingivectomy, removes excess gum tissue and can be performed using a laser or traditional surgery, depending on your specific needs.

For patients with uneven gum lines, laser treatment can effectively adjust gum height to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. This quick and minimally invasive procedure often requires little downtime, with most patients healing in just a day or two. In some cases, if the gum contouring exposes part of the tooth’s root, additional treatment such as a porcelain veneer or bonding may be necessary to ensure a seamless, natural look.

In more severe cases, where both gum and bone need to be removed, a more advanced procedure may be required. Traditionally, this involved a surgical approach where the gum was cut, a flap was created, a few millimeters of bone were removed, and the gum was sutured back in place. Today, this same procedure can often be performed with a specialized laser, significantly reducing healing time and minimizing postoperative discomfort. Whether using lasers or traditional surgery, both techniques are highly effective, and the best approach for you will depend on your dentist’s expertise.

To learn more about your gum contouring options or to schedule an appointment at The Art of Smile Dental, call us today.

Gum Contouring Procedure: Enhancing Your Smile

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure where the dentist reshapes the gums to improve the appearance of your smile. This can involve removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth, adding gum tissue to protect enamel and improve tooth coverage, or refining the gum line to create a more balanced and symmetrical look.

Reduced risk of bacterial infections
Less swelling and bleeding
Lower risk of tooth decay
Reduced tooth sensitivity
Boosted self-confidence
Improved smile appearance

The introduction of gum contouring has had a significant positive impact on patients, increasing their desire to smile and boosting social interaction. This treatment not only addresses aesthetic and corrective concerns but also has a profound effect on an individual's mental health and self-esteem.

Signs You May Need Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a versatile procedure used for both corrective and cosmetic reasons. It helps prevent issues such as tooth decay, tooth loss, bone loss, and oral diseases while enhancing the balance between your gums and teeth for a more harmonious smile. If you notice any of the following signs, gum contouring could be a beneficial solution:

Your smile reveals a significant amount of gum tissue.
You’ve noticed your gums receding over time.
Your teeth seem disproportionately larger or smaller than usual.
You often experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Your gum line appears uneven or asymmetrical.
You have a history of gum disease.

If you are a patient at The Art of Smile Dental, we often encounter individuals who may benefit from gum recontouring during their regular cleanings. If you're unsure whether gum recontouring is right for you, please don't hesitate to ask. We will assess your situation and determine if you're a suitable candidate for the procedure.